The Meet Greater South 2025, held on August 22 and 23 at the Kaohsiung Convention Center, brought together 300 startup teams from nine countries. Focusing on semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), and sustainability, the event demonstrated how these areas have become the main drivers of industrial transformation and international integration in southern Taiwan.
With global giants like TSMC, AMD, and Nvidia strengthening their presence, Kaohsiung is building a comprehensive industrial ecosystem that spans advanced chip manufacturing, cloud computing, and smart applications.
This growth is creating unprecedented opportunities for startups in sectors such as 5G, smart cities, green energy, electric vehicles, advanced manufacturing, and energy transition technologies. Additionally, the event highlighted emerging areas like carbon credit trading and sustainable finance, outlining a comprehensive plan for the next phase of industrial development and global integration in southern Taiwan.
Mayor Chi-mai Chen emphasized that the innovation push is now shifting south, with Kaohsiung at the center of this transformation. He recalled that semiconductors, AI, and sustainability are not future aspirations but tangible realities: from TSMC’s 2-nanometer factory to the arrival of Nvidia and Cisco, a robust tech corridor is taking shape, positioning Kaohsiung as a key hub in the global semiconductor industry.
Government support plays a crucial role in accelerating this transformation. Minister of Economic Affairs Jyh-huei Kuo highlighted the Asia New Bay Area 5G AIoT Innovation Park as a catalyst for Kaohsiung’s growth. The park has attracted 13 international accelerators, generating over NT$2.7 billion (about $88 million USD) in investments and business opportunities.
To further boost competitiveness, the ministry has partnered with 15 research institutions to help local SMEs adopt advanced AI solutions, modernize production lines, and accelerate the shift toward smart manufacturing.
The 2025 expo showcased cutting-edge innovations in AI and semiconductors, augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), digital health, electric vehicles, green energy management, IoT-powered smart cities, and Web3-based financial innovations.
Highlights included an automated AI production line in the smart manufacturing zone and immersive digital content devices, providing visitors with firsthand experiences of next-generation applications.
International startups contributed diverse innovations:
- Ipin Labs (South Korea) displayed indoor positioning technology for logistics and smart manufacturing.
- Chosen Digital (Thailand) presented energy transition solutions for electric vehicles.
- Cubeworks (UK) introduced shared smart spaces and autonomous barista systems.
These initiatives show how global startups are collaborating with local industries to promote practical applications and open new business opportunities in southern Taiwan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is Kaohsiung becoming a global hub for semiconductors and AI?
Because it hosts investments from giants like TSMC, AMD, and Nvidia, supported by government initiatives and an innovation network that connects startups and research centers in strategic sectors.What role do international startups play in this ecosystem?
They bring innovation in emerging fields such as smart logistics, electric vehicles, and Web3 applications, working alongside Taiwanese industries to accelerate the development of globally applicable solutions.What concrete benefits has the Asia New Bay Area 5G AIoT Innovation Park generated?
It has attracted 13 international accelerators and over NT$2.7 billion in investments, acting as a catalyst for digital and industrial transformation in southern Taiwan.Besides semiconductors and AI, which other emerging sectors stand out?
Carbon credit trading, green finance, smart manufacturing, IoT-connected cities, and energy transition are areas with significant growth potential in the region.
via: digitimes